DRAFT V 1.

NEPAL NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

NBC 105: 2019

SEISMIC DESIGN OF BUILDINGS IN NEPAL

Government of Nepal
Ministry of Urban Development
Department of Urban Development and Building Construction
Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, NEPAL

2075

i
 Preface
The attempt for development of any code for seismic design in Nepal started in
Nineties following the Udayapur earthquake of 1988. Consequently the Nepal National
Building Code NBC 105 Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal was published in 1994.
Since then the seismic code has not been reviewed and updated till the moment. In
view of the development in research and technology and new knowledge learnt from
various large earthquakes in the region and other parts of the world in last 24 years,
the need for updating of the document was tremendously felt.
The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), Ministry
of Urban Development (MoUD) had initiated the preparation for the updating of the
NBC 105: 1994 Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal, however, the process was
formally started only after the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015 April 25 and the following
aftershocks. The process of updating the NBC 105: 1994 Seismic Design of
Buildings in Nepal was started under the initiative of the Central Level Project
Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the ADB financed Earthquake Emergency Assistance
Project (EEAP) under the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD). The revision of the
NBC 105: 1994 as the major code guiding seismic design of buildings in Nepal, is one
of the important activity to be implemented under the EEAP.
This Standard is the first revision of the Nepal National Building Code 105: 1994
Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal, prepared by the Working Group of Consultants
formed by the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the Earthquake
Emergency Assistance Project (EEAP) under the Ministry of Urban Development
(MoUD) and later transferred to the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), the
Government of Nepal. This standard after due approval will supersede the earlier 1994
edition of the NBC 105 Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal.
The objective of this Standard is to provide designers with general procedures and
criteria for the structural design of buildings prevalent in the Federal Republic of Nepal
considering the seismicity in the parts of the country. This document outlines analysis
and design methodology that is applied in accordance with the established
engineering principles.
The principal modifications from the earlier version in the present revision are as
follows:
i) The performance requirements are defined precisely in terms of collapse
prevention and damage limitation; there is a further recommendation to
verify the performance requirements checking the ultimate limit state and
serviceability limit state.
ii) Non-linear methods of analysis have been introduced retaining the linear
analyses as in the earlier version.
iii) The load combinations for parallel systems and for non-parallel systems
have been revised with changes in load factors.
iv) This earthquake levels considered in this code are according to three
earthquake levels: Earthquake Level (E1) corresponding to 475 years of
return period, Earthquake level (E2) corresponding to 975 years of return
period, and Earthquake Level (E3) corresponding to 2475 years of return
period.
v) The spectral shape factor for the Seismic Coefficient Method and for the
Modal Response Spectrum Method are different and the response spectra

ii
 are specified for four types of soil types, namely Soil Type A – stiff and hard
soil, Soil Type B –medium soil, Soil Type C - soft soil and Soil Type D – very
soft soil.
vi) The seismic zone map of Nepal has been revised based on the recently
carried out Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis. Accordingly, the zone
factors for major cities and municipalities have been changed; these values
present the realistic values of effective peak ground acceleration (PGA) in
each region considered.
vii) The importance classes and importance factors have been revised.
viii) The empirical formulae for determination of fundamental translation period
has been revised.
ix) The horizontal base shear coefficient will be determined separately for
ultimate limit state and serviceability limit state. These coefficients are
expressed in terms of ductility factor and over strength factor, replacing the
performance factor K in the earlier version.
x) The horizontal design spectrum for the modal response spectrum method
has been given different for ultimate limit state and for serviceability limit
state.
xi) The clauses on the parts and components of the building have been revised.
The intent and purpose of this code is to design safe buildings so that they will suffer
no structural damage during earthquakes of moderate intensities, and without total
collapse during heavy intensities of earthquakes. This standard is basically for seismic
design of low, moderate and high rise buildings prevalent in Nepal.
The following publications related with the codes on seismic design have been
extensively referred during the drafting of this revised edition of NBC 105:
(i) IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016 Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures
Part 1 General Provisions and Buildings (Sixth Revision), BIS, Bahadur Shah
Jaffar Marg, New Delhi, India 2016.
(ii) BNBC 2014 Bangaladesh National Building Code
(iii) NZS 1170.5:2004 New Zealand Standard Part 5: Earthquake Actions – New
Zealand
(iv) Code for Seismic Design of Buildings (2010) Ministry of Housing and
Urban-Rural Construction of the People's Republic of China
(v) Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 1: General
rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings
(vi) Building Code of Pakistan Seismic Provisions (2008) Government of
Pakistan Ministry of Housing and Works
(vii) IBC 2015 International Building Code 2015
(viii) ASCE-7-10. Minimum Design Loads for buildings and Other Structures,
American
(ix) Society of Civil Engineers, USA, 2010.

The standard has been developed in a new format considering the recent development
in the research and technology as well as learning from the lessons from the recent
earthquakes. The whole document has been spread over 9 sections and several
appendices.

iii
Building Code Revision Advisory Committee (BCRAC)

BCRAC consists of following experts and professionals:

Joint Secretary, Building Code Section, DUDBC Coordinator

Director General, DUDBC Member

Project Director,CLPIU, Building Member

Deputy Director General,MOUD, Building Member

Deputy Director General, Department of Mines and Geology Member

Representative ,Institute of Engineering , Pulchowk Campus Member

Representative, Kathmandu University Member

Representative, Khwopa Engineering College, Purwanchal Member

University

Mr. Manohar Lal Rajbhandari , Structural Expert Member

Dr. Akal Bahadur Singh , Geotechnical Expert Member

Chairman , Structural Engineers’ Association of Nepal Member

Director General, Nepal Bureau of Standards and Meteorology Member

Senior Divisional Engineer, MOUD, Building Member

Division Chief, Building Code Section, DUDBC Member

Secretary

Working Committee

Working Committee consists of following experts and professionals:

Deputy Director General, DUDBC , Building Coordinator

Senior Divisional Engineer, MOUD, Building Member

Deputy Project Director, EHRP,CLPIU Member

Divisional Chief , Building Code Section ,DUDBC Member

iv
 Dr. Prem Nath Maskey, Senior Structural Engineer (Team Leader) Member

Dr. Deepak Chamlagain, Seismologist Member

Mr. Surendra Vaidhya, Structural Engineer , CLPIU (Building) Member

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bista , Structural Engineer , CLPIU (Building) Member

Mr. Minesh Ratna Tamrakar, Structural Engineer , CLPIU (Building) Member

Mr. Bipin Kumar Gautam , Structural Engineer , CLPIU (Building) Member

Mr. Swopnil Ojha , Structural Engineer , CLPIU (Building) Member

Deputy Project Director, EEAP, CLPIU Member

Secretary

Working Group

Principal inputs to this standard came from:

Dr. Prem Nath Maskey, Senior Structural Engineer (Team Leader)

Dr. Deepak Chamlagain, Seismologist

Dr. Indra Prasad Acharya, Geotechnical Engineer

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bista, Structural Engineer

Mr. Minesh Ratna Tamrakar, Structural Engineer

Mr. Bipin Kumar Gautam, Structural Engineer

Mr. Swopnil Ojha, Structural Engineer

International Expert

Prof. Dr. Rajesh Dhakal, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Seismic Hazard Sub-committee

Mr. Sudhir Rajaure, DDG, Department of Mines and Geology Coordinator
Dr. Deepak Chamlagain, Seismologist Member
Mr. Swopnil Ojha, Structural Engineer Member

v
Contents
1 Title, Scope, Definitions and Notations ........................................................... 1

1.1 Title ............................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope ............................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Definitions ..................................................................................................... 1

1.4 Notations ....................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Units .............................................................................................................. 7

2 General Principles ............................................................................................. 8

2.1 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND VERIFICATION .......................... 8

Life Safety:.............................................................................................. 8

Damage Limitation: ................................................................................. 8

VERIFICATION: ..................................................................................... 8

2.2 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ARRANGEMENT OF BUILDING

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS .................................................................................... 10

Structural simplicity ............................................................................... 10

Uniformity, symmetry and redundancy ................................................. 10

Adequate resistance and stiffness ........................................................ 11

Diaphragm action ................................................................................. 11

Adequate foundation ............................................................................ 12

2.3 RESPONSE TO EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION ................................ 12

Ground Motion ...................................................................................... 12

Response of Structure .......................................................................... 12

Soil-structure Interaction ....................................................................... 12

2.4 CAPACITY DESIGN ................................................................................... 13

Potential Plastic Zones ......................................................................... 13

Level of Detailing .................................................................................. 13

Overstrength Actions ............................................................................ 13

vi
 2.5 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS .............................................................................. 13

3 Scope of Analysis ............................................................................................ 15

3.1 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS METHODS ....................................................... 15

3.2 APPLICABILITY OF ANALYSIS METHODS ............................................... 15

Equivalent Static Method (ESM) ........................................................... 15

Modal Response Spectrum Method (MRSM) ....................................... 16

Elastic Time History Analysis ................................................................ 16

Non-linear Methods .............................................................................. 16

3.3 APPLICATION OF SEISMIC FORCES ....................................................... 16

3.4 EFFECTIVE STIFFNESS OF CRACKED SECTIONS ................................ 16

3.5 DESIGN METHODS ................................................................................... 17

3.6 LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR LIMIT STATE METHOD .............................. 17

Load Combinations for Parallel Systems .............................................. 17

Load Combinations for Non- Parallel Systems ..................................... 17

4 Seismic Hazard ................................................................................................ 18

4.1 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR HORIZONTAL LOADING ......................... 18

Elastic site spectra ................................................................................ 18

Spectral Shape Factor, Ch (T) .............................................................. 18

Site Subsoil Category ........................................................................... 20

Seismic Zoning Factor (Z) .................................................................... 22

Importance Classes and Importance Factor (I)..................................... 24

4.2 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE ............. 25

4.3 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR VERTICAL LOADING .............................. 25

5 Dynamic Characteristics of Structures .......................................................... 26

5.1 PERIODS OF VIBRATION .......................................................................... 26

Rayleigh Method ................................................................................... 26

Empirical Equations .............................................................................. 26

vii
 Amplification of Approximate Period ..................................................... 27

5.2 SEISMIC WEIGHT ...................................................................................... 27

5.3 DUCTILITY FACTOR .................................................................................. 27

Ultimate limit state ................................................................................ 27

Serviceability limit state ........................................................................ 28

5.4 OVERSTRENGTH FACTOR....................................................................... 28

Ultimate limit state ................................................................................ 28

Serviceability limit state ........................................................................ 28

5.5 STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITY................................................................. 29

Vertical Irregularity ................................................................................ 29

Plan Irregularity .................................................................................... 30

5.6 DRIFTS AND DISPLACEMENTS ............................................................... 32

Determination of Design Horizontal Deflections ................................... 32

Building Separations ............................................................................. 32

Inter-Story Deflections .......................................................................... 32

5.7 ACCIDENTAL ECCENTRICITY .................................................................. 32

6 Equivalent Static Method ................................................................................ 33

6.1 HORIZONTAL BASE SHEAR COEFFICIENT ............................................ 33

Ultimate Limit State .............................................................................. 33

Serviceability Limit State....................................................................... 33

6.2 HORIZONTAL SEISMIC BASE SHEAR ..................................................... 33

6.3 VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEISMIC FORCES ................................... 34

6.4 POINTS OF APPLICATION OF EQUIVALENT STATIC FORCES ............. 34

7 Modal Response Spectrum Method ............................................................... 35

7.1 ULTIMATE LIMIT STATE ............................................................................ 35

7.2 CALCULATION OF BASE SHEAR FORCE FOR EACH MODE................ 35

7.3 NUMBER OF MODES TO BE CONSIDERED ............................................ 35

viii
 7.4 COMBINATION OF MODAL EFFECTS ...................................................... 36

7.5 SCALE FACTOR FOR DESIGN VALUES OF THE COMBINED RESPONSE

36

8 Elastic Time History Analysis ......................................................................... 36

Structural Modeling Requirements ....................................................... 36

Ground Motions .................................................................................... 37

Evaluation of response quantities ......................................................... 37

9 Non-linear Static and Dynamic Analysis ....................................................... 38

9.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................... 38

9.2 NON-LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS .............................................................. 38

Modeling and Analysis .......................................................................... 38

Load pattern ......................................................................................... 38

Control node ......................................................................................... 38

Capacity curve ...................................................................................... 38

Target displacement ............................................................................. 38

9.3 NON-LINEAR TIME HISTORY ANALYSIS ................................................. 39

Structural Modeling Requirements ....................................................... 39

Ground Motions .................................................................................... 40

Evaluation of response quantities ......................................................... 41

10 Parts and Components ................................................................................... 43

10.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................ 43

10.2 SERVICE CUT-OFFS .............................................................................. 43

10.3 DESIGN SEISMIC FORCE ...................................................................... 43

Component Amplification Factor ....................................................... 44

Component Ductility Factor ............................................................... 44

Component Importance Factor .......................................................... 45

10.4 OTHER REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 45

ix
x
PART 1 SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS

1 Title, Scope, Definitions and Notations

1.1 TITLE

Nepal National Building Code NBC 105: Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal is the
title of this document. The document is the outcome of the revision of the earlier
version of NBC 105: 1994 Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal.

1.2 SCOPE
This code covers the requirements for seismic analysis and design of various building
structures to be constructed in the territory of the Federal Republic of Nepal. This code
is applicable to all buildings, low to high rise buildings, in general. Requirements of the
provisions of this standard shall be applicable to buildings made of reinforced concrete,
structural steel, steel concrete composite, timber and masonry.

For Base-isolated buildings as well as for buildings equipped and treated with
structural control can be designed in reference with specialist literatures.

Minimum design earthquake forces for buildings, structures or components thereof

shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this standard. Some
definitions and symbols pertinent to the earthquake resistant design for buildings are
presented in Sections 1.3 and 1.4. Section 1.5 presents the units adopted in this
standard.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

Some terminologies related to earthquake resistant design of buildings used in this

code are defined as follows:

BASE: The level at which the inertia forces developed in the building structure are
accumulated before being transferred to the ground through the foundation. It is
considered to be at the bottommost level of basement, or at the top of pile cap, or at
the top of raft, or at the top of the footing.

BASE SHEAR: Total design lateral force or shear force due to earthquake at the base
of a structure.

1
BRACED FRAME: A structural system that involves additional elements known as
braces to a frame structure in order to increase its ability to resist lateral loads.

CAPACITY DESIGN: A design method in which critical elements of the structural

systems are chosen and suitably designed and detailed for energy dissipation under
severe deformation while all other structural elements are provided with sufficient
strength so that the chosen means of energy dissipation can be maintained.

CENTER OF MASS (CM): The point in a floor through which the resultant of the mass
passes.

CENTER OF STIFFNESS/RIGIDITY (CR): The point in a floor at which the resultants

of the resisting forces in the two orthogonal directions intersect.

CRITICAL DAMPING: The damping beyond which the free vibration motion will not
be oscillatory.

DAMPING: The effect of inherent energy dissipation mechanisms in a structure due

to internal friction, inelasticity of materials, slipping, sliding etc. that results in reduction
of oscillation amplitudes, expressed as a percentage of the critical damping for the
structure.

DEAD LOAD: The weight of all permanent components of a building including walls,
partitions, columns, beams, floors, roofs, finishes and fixed plant and fittings that are
integral parts of the structure.

DESIGN ACCELERATION RESPONSE SPECTRUM: Average smoothened

idealized plot of maximum pseudo-acceleration response to the design basis
earthquake excitation applied at the base of a single degree of freedom system
(representing the structure) as a function of the natural period and damping ratio of
the structure.

DESIGN BASIS EARTHQUAKE: The earthquake ground motion considered for

normal design, taken as two‐thirds of the corresponding Maximum Considered
Earthquake (MCE).

DIAPHRAGM: A horizontal or nearly horizontal system of structures acting to transmit

lateral forces to the vertical resisting elements. The term "diaphragm" includes
reinforced concrete floor slabs as well as horizontal bracing systems.

2
DUAL SYSTEM: A combination of a Moment Resisting Frame and Shear Walls or
Braced Frames

DUCTILITY: Capacity of a structure, or its members to undergo large inelastic

deformations without significant loss of strength.

DUCTILITY FACTOR: The ratio of ultimate displacement demand to yield

displacement demand.

ECCENTRICITY: The distance between the center of mass and center of stiffness.

EPICENTRE: The geographical point on the surface of earth vertically above the point
of origin (focus) of the earthquake.

FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM: A floor or roof diaphragm, in which the maximum lateral

deformation of the diaphragm is more than two times the average storey drift of the
associated storey.

FLEXIBLE ELEMENT OR SYSTEM: An element or system whose deformation under

lateral load is significantly larger than adjoining parts of the system.

IMPORTANCE FACTOR: A factor used to adjust the design seismic forces depending
on the functional use of the structure.

INTENSITY OF EARTHQUAKE: It is a measure of the severity of ground shaking at

a particular site due to an earthquake

INTERSTOREY DRIFT: Relative displacement of adjacent floors.

LIQUEFACTION: State in saturated cohesionless soil wherein the effective shear

strength is reduced to negligible value due to pore water pressure generated by
earthquake vibrations, when the pore water pressure approaches the total confining
pressure. In this condition, the soil tends to behave like a liquid.

LIVE LOAD: The load assumed or known to result from the occupancy or use of a
building and includes the loads on floors, loads on roofs other than wind, loads on
balustrades, and loads from movable goods, machinery, and plants that are not
integral parts of the building.

MAGNITUDE OF EARTHQUAKE: A measure of the energy released at the source of

an earthquake.

3
MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCE): The most severe earthquake
ground motion likely to occur at a location.

MODAL MASS: Part of the total seismic mass of the structure that is effective in a
specific mode of vibration.

MODAL PARTICIPATION FACTOR: Amount by which a specific vibration mode

contributes to the overall response of the structure.

MOMENT RESISTING FRAME: Assembly of beams and columns that resist internally
produced and externally applied forces primarily by flexure and are specially detailed
for ductility.

NATURAL PERIOD OF BUILDING: The time taken in seconds by the structure to

complete one cycle of oscillation in its fundamental mode of response.

OVERSTRENGTH FACTOR: The ratio of the first significant yield strength of structure
to the design base shear of the structure.

P-DELTA EFFECT: Structural actions induced as a consequence of the gravity loads

being displaced horizontally due to horizontal actions.

PEAK GROUND ACCELERATION (PGA): Maximum acceleration of the ground in a

particular direction of the ground motion.

RESPONSE SPECTRUM: Plot of the maximum response of a SDOF system versus

its fundamental time period for a given level of damping (commonly taken as 5% of
critical).

SHEAR WALL: A wall designed to resist lateral forces acting in its own plane.

SOFT STOREY: Story in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 per cent of the
stiffness of the story above or less than 80 percent of the average lateral stiffness of
the three stories above.

4
 1.4 NOTATIONS

The following symbols and notation shall apply to the provisions of this section:

ap Component Amplification Factor

Aw Area of Web

b Maximum horizontal dimension of the building at the particular level

measured perpendicular to the direction of loading

CQC Complete Quadratic Combination

C(T) Elastic Site Spectra for horizontal loading

Cd(T) Horizontal Design Spectrum

Cd(T1) Horizontal Base Shear Coefficient

Ch(T) Spectral Shape Factor

Cs(T) Elastic Site Spectra for Serviceability Limit State

Cv(T) Elastic Site Spectra for Vertical Loading

Cd(Ti) Ordinate of the design spectrum for translational period Ti

DL Design dead load

d* Displacement of equivalent SDOF system

det* Target displacement of a structure with period T*

di Horizontal displacement of the center of mass at level i, ignoring the

effect of Torsion

dy* Displacement at yield of idealized SDOF system

E Design earthquake load

ESM Equivalent Static Method

ec Computed distance between the center of mass and the center of rigidity

ed Design eccentricity of the seismic force at a particular level

5
Ec Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete

Ex Design earthquake load in Principal direction X

Ey Design earthquake load in Principal direction Y

F* Force of equivalent SDOF system

Fi Lateral force acting at level i

Fp Design seismic force for parts and components

Fy* Yield force of idealized SDOF system

g Acceleration due to gravity. To be taken as 9.81 m/s2

H Height from the base to the top of the main portion of the building or the
eaves of the building (m)

hi Height of the level i from the base considered

hp Height of the component

i level under consideration of the structure

I Importance factor for the building

Ip Component Importance Factor

Ig Section moment of inertia calculated using the gross cross sectional area
of concrete

LL Design live load

m* Mass of equivalent SDOF system

MRSM Modal Response Spectrum Method

n Number of levels in a structure

PGA Peak Ground Acceleration

RS Ductility Factor for Serviceability Limit State

6
Rμ Ductility Factor for Ultimate Limit State

SDOF Single degree of freedom

SRSS Square root of sum of squares

T* Time period of idealized equivalent SDOF system

T1 Approximate Fundamental Period of Vibration

Tc Corner period corresponding to the end of constant spectral acceleration

range

Ti Fundamental Translation Period of ith mode of vibration

V Horizontal seismic base shear obtained from equivalent static method

VR Combined base shear obtained from modal response spectrum method

W Seismic weight of the structure

Wi Seismic weight at level i

Wp Component weight

Z Seismic zoning factor

Ωs Overstrength factor for serviceability limit state

Ωu Overstrength factor for ultimate limit state

α Peak spectral acceleration normalized by PGA

μp Component ductility factor

1.5 UNITS

Unless otherwise noted, this code uses SI units of kilograms, metres, seconds,
Pascals and Newtons (kg, m, s, Pa, N).

7
2 General Principles

2.1 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND VERIFICATION

Structures designed and built in seismic regions shall fulfil following

fundamental requirements:

Life Safety:
The structure shall be designed and constructed to withstand the design
seismic forces without local or global failure that, thus retaining its structural
integrity, stability against overturning and a residual load bearing capacity after
the earthquake. Further, it is also necessary to avoid damage to non-structural
systems which are essential for safe evacuation from the structure.

The design seismic force is expressed in terms of 475 years return period
(reference return period) and the importance factor.

Damage Limitation:
The structure shall be designed and constructed to withstand a seismic force
having a larger probability of occurrence than the design seismic forces, without
the occurrence of damage and the associated limitations of use of the structure.
The critical facilities need to be operational state or be in a state which can be
returned to fully operational state shortly after the earthquake (within minutes
to hours).

The design seismic force associated with damage limitation is expressed in

terms of a fraction of life safety level seismic force.

VERIFICATION:
For the verification of the performance requirements of clause, following limit
states shall be checked:

Ultimate Limit State (ULS);

Serviceability Limit State (SLS).

8
2.1.3.1 Ultimate Limit State Verification:
Ultimate limit states are associated with collapse or with other forms of
structural failure which might endanger the safety of people. Design for ultimate
limit state represents a procedure that ensures the probability of collapse of a
structure is at an acceptable level.

The ultimate limit state performance requirements are met when the structure
satisfies the following:

1. The structural system has the required resistance and energy dissipation
capacity;

2. The structure as a whole shall be checked to ensure that it is stable under

the design seismic forces. Both overturning and sliding stability shall be taken
into account;

3. The structural system shall continue to perform its load-bearing function;

4. Both the foundation elements and the foundation soil are able to resist the
forces resulting from the response of the superstructure without substantial
permanent deformations;

5. Non-structural systems which are essential for safe evacuation from the
structure shall continue to function;

6. The nonstructural elements do not present risks to people.

2.1.3.2 Serviceability Limit State Verification:

Damage limitation states are associated with damage beyond which specified
service requirements are no longer met. It represents a level of force within the
structure below which there is a high degree of assurance that the structure can
continue to be used as originally intended without repair.

The serviceability limit state performance requirements are met when the
structure satisfies the following:

1. The structural system shall not experience deformations that result in

structural or non-structural damage that can prevent the structure from
performing its intended original function.

9
 2. In structures important for civil protection, the structure shall have sufficient
resistance and stiffness to remain operational so that it can perform its function
of the vital services in the event of an earthquake.

2.2 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ARRANGEMENT OF BUILDING

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

Structural simplicity

Structural simplicity is characterized by the existence of clear and direct paths

for the transmission of the seismic forces. Modeling, analysis, dimensioning,
detailing and construction of simple structures are subject to much less
uncertainty and thus the prediction of their seismic behavior is much more
reliable.

Uniformity, symmetry and redundancy

A. Uniformity in plan is characterized by an even distribution of the structural

elements which allows direct transmission of the inertia forces induced in the
distributed masses of the building. If necessary, uniformity may be realized by
subdividing the entire building by seismic joints into dynamically independent
units, provided that these joints are designed against pounding between the
individual units. Uniformity of the structure along the height of the building is
also essential, as it tends to eliminate the occurrence of sensitive zones where
high stress or ductility demands might concentrate.

B. A similarity between the distribution of masses and the distribution of

resistance and stiffness eliminates large eccentricities between mass and
stiffness.

C. If the building configuration is symmetrical or quasi-symmetrical, a

symmetrical layout of structural elements, which should be well-distributed in-
plan, is appropriate for the achievement of uniformity.

D. The use of evenly distributed structural elements increases redundancy

allows a more favorable redistribution of member forces and spreads the energy
dissipation widely across the entire structure.

10
Adequate resistance and stiffness

A. Horizontal seismic motion is a bi-directional phenomenon and thus the

building structure shall be able to resist horizontal actions in any direction. In
this respect, structural elements should be arranged in an orthogonal in-plan
structural pattern, ensuring adequate resistance and stiffness characteristics in
both main directions.

B. In addition to lateral resistance and stiffness, building structures should

possess adequate torsional resistance and stiffness in order to limit the
development of torsional motions which tend to stress different structural
elements in a non-uniform way. In this respect, arrangements in which the main
elements resisting the seismic action are distributed close to the periphery of
the building present clear advantages.

Diaphragm action

A. In buildings, floors (including the roof) play a very important role in the overall
seismic behavior of the structure. They act as horizontal diaphragms that collect
and transmit the inertia forces to the vertical structural systems and ensure that
those systems act together in resisting the horizontal seismic action. The action
of floors as diaphragms is especially relevant in cases of complex and non-
uniform layouts of the vertical structural systems, or where systems with
different horizontal deformability characteristics are used together (e.g. in dual
or mixed systems).

B. Floor systems and the roof should be provided with in-plane stiffness and
resistance and with effective connection to the vertical structural systems.
Particular care should be taken in cases of non-compact or very elongated in-
plan shapes and in cases of large floor openings, especially if the latter are
located in the vicinity of the main vertical structural elements, thus hindering
such effective connection between the vertical and horizontal elements.

C. Diaphragms should have sufficient in-plane stiffness for the distribution of

horizontal inertia forces to the vertical structural systems in accordance with the
assumptions of the analysis, particularly when there are significant changes in
stiffness or offsets of vertical elements above and below the diaphragm.

11
 D. The diaphragm may be taken as being rigid, if, when it is modeled with its
actual in-plane flexibility, its horizontal displacements nowhere exceed those
resulting from the rigid diaphragm assumption by more than 10% of the
corresponding absolute horizontal displacements under seismic forces.

E. The connection between a diaphragm and the surrounding vertical structural

system in each direction should be able to resist 1.2 times the design inertial
force induced at that level.

Adequate foundation

A. With regard to the seismic action, the design and construction of the
foundations and their connection to the superstructure shall ensure that the
whole building is subjected to a uniform seismic excitation.

B. For buildings with individual foundation elements (footings or piles), the use
of a foundation slab or tie-beams between these elements in both main
directions is recommended.

2.3 RESPONSE TO EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION

Ground Motion

The earthquake ground motion intensity at a site depends on the magnitude of

the earthquake, the earthquake source to the site distance and the medium of
the seismic waves travel path. The random ground motion due to an earthquake
can be generally resolved into three orthogonal directions, the dominant
components normally being in horizontal directions.

Response of Structure

The response of a building to a seismic ground motion depends on the

structural system as well as the principal parameters of the ground motion. This
standard considers the seismic design forces for buildings located on soils,
which do not settle, liquefy or slide during earthquakes.

Soil-structure Interaction

The soil-structure interaction, representing the effects of the flexibility of

supporting soil foundation system on the response of the building, may not be

12
 considered in the earthquake analysis of buildings supported on hard soils or
rocks.
Where the soil has been identified as soft and prone to liquefaction and/or
lateral spreading, design of foundation shall account for the potential soil
movement. Deep (i.e. pile) foundations shall be normally preferred in such sites.
Wherever needed, advice should be sought from a geotechnical engineering
expert.

2.4 CAPACITY DESIGN

Capacity design shall be applied to ductile structures and other structures
where required by the appropriate material standards.

Potential Plastic Zones

Ductile failure modes for the proposed structure shall be identified for each
potential direction of seismic actions. The location of all potential plastic zones
shall be identified and proportioned so that the design strength exceeds the
design actions at these locations.

Level of Detailing
The level of detailing required to sustain the material strain levels in the critical
potential plastic zones when subjected to displacements defined in section 5.6
shall be determined.

Overstrength Actions
The maximum likely strength actions in potential plastic zones shall be derived
considering possible Overstrength factors.

2.5 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

It is generally asssumed in the seismic design of buildings that:
(a) A severe earthquake does not occur sumultaneously with a strong wind, or
a high flood. Hence, the effect of only the earthquake with the dead and live
loads resulting into the largest effect in the building is taken into
consideration.

13
(b) The modulus of elasticity of the materials of construction, when required in
the design, will be taken as that for static analysis, unless more definite
dynamic values are available.

14
PART 2 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3 Scope of Analysis

3.1 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS METHODS

The structural analysis for design seismic actions shall be carried out using any
one of the following methods:

a) Equivalent Static Method

b) Linear Dynamic Analysis Methods

i. Modal Response Spectrum Method

ii. Elastic Time History Analysis

c) Non-linear Methods

i. Non-linear Static Analysis

ii. Non-linear Time History Analysis

3.2 APPLICABILITY OF ANALYSIS METHODS

Equivalent Static Method (ESM)

The Equivalent Static Method may be used for all serviceability limit state (SLS)
calculations regardless of the building characteristics.

For ultimate limit state (ULS), the Equivalent Static Method may be be used
when at least one of the following criteria is satisfied:

i. The height of the structure is less than or equal to 15 m.

ii. The natural time period of the structure is less than 0.5 secs.

iii. The structure is not categorized as irregular one and the height is less
than 40 m.

15
 Modal Response Spectrum Method (MRSM)

The Modal Response Spectrum Method may be used for all types of structures
and the structures where Equivalent Static Method is not applicable. A three
dimensional analysis shall be performed for torsionally sensitive structures.

Elastic Time History Analysis

The elastic time history analysis may be used for all types of structures to verify
that the specific response parameters are within the limits of acceptability
assumed during design. A three dimensional analysis shall be performed for
torsionally sensitive structures.

Non-linear Methods
As an alternative to linear analysis methods, nonlinear analysis methods may
be used for structural analysis. Following two analysis methods are prescribed
in the present standard:
i. Non-linear Static Analysis
ii. Non-linear Dynamic Analysis
These methods are used basically to verify the performance of existing or
retrofitted structures. These methods can also be used to verify that the specific
response parameters are within the limits of acceptability assumed during
design.

3.3 APPLICATION OF SEISMIC FORCES

Seismic forces in a structure shall be considered in each of the two principal

directions of the structure. For structures which have the lateral force resisting
elements in two orthogonal directions, the design forces shall be considered in
one orthogonal direction only at a time.

3.4 EFFECTIVE STIFFNESS OF CRACKED SECTIONS

A rational analysis shall be performed in arriving at the elastic flexural and shear
stiffness properties of cracked concrete and masonry elements. In absence of
such analysis, the effective stiffness of cracked sections shall be taken from
Table 3-1.

16
 Table 3-1 Effective stiffness of different components

S No. Component Flexural Stiffness Shear Stiffness

1 Beam 0.35 Ec Ig 0.40 Ec Aw
2 Columns 0.70 Ec Ig 0.40 Ec Aw
3 Wall—cracked 0.50 Ec Ig 0.40 Ec Aw
4 Wall—uncracked 0.80 Ec Ig 0.40 Ec Aw

For steel structures, the gross stiffness values shall be used.

3.5 DESIGN METHODS

Design for earthquake actions shall be in accordance with Limit State Method
(LSM).

3.6 LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR LIMIT STATE METHOD

Load Combinations for Parallel Systems

Where seismic load effect is combined with other load effects, the following load
combination shall be adopted.

1.2DL + 1.5LL
DL + λLL + E ……………………………….……………………. (3.6.1)
Where, λ = 0.6 for storage facilities
= 0.3 for other usage

Load Combinations for Non- Parallel Systems

When lateral load resisting elements are not oriented along mutually orthogonal
horizontal directions, structure shall be designed for the simultaneous effects
due to full design earthquake load in one direction plus 30 percent of design
earthquake load along the other horizontal direction. In this case, the following
load combination shall be adopted.

1.2DL + 1.5LL
DL + λLL + (Ex + 0.3Ey)
DL + λLL + (0.3Ex + Ey) ……………………………………….. (3.6.2)

17
 Where, λ = 0.6 for storage facilities
= 0.3 for other usage

4 Seismic Hazard

4.1 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR HORIZONTAL LOADING

Elastic site spectra

The Elastic site spectra for horizontal loading shall be as given by equation
4.1(1).

C (T) = Ch(T) Z I ………………………………………………………………..4.1(1)

Where,

Ch(T) = Spectral Shape factor as per 4.1.2

Z= Seismic Zoning factor as per 4.1.4

I= Importance factor as per 4.1.5

Spectral Shape Factor, Ch (T)

The Spectral Shape Factor, Ch(T) for the relevant soil type shall be obtained
either from Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2, or calculated by equation 4.1(2) using
the parameters specified in Table 4.1. The spectral shape factor functions given
in Figure 4-1(a) shall be used for Equivalent Static Method and those in Figure
4-1(b) shall be used for Modal Response Spectrum Method and Nonlinear Time
History Analysis.

18
 Figure 4-1Spectral Shape Factor, Ch(T) for Equivalent Static Method

Figure 4-2 Spectral Shape Factor, Ch(T) for Modal Response Spectrum Method,
Nonlinear Time History Analysis , Vertical Loading and Parts and Components

𝑇
1 + (𝛼 − 1) × 𝑇 𝑖𝑓 𝑇 < 𝑇𝑎
𝑎

𝐶ℎ (𝑇) = 𝛼 𝑖𝑓 𝑇𝑎 ≤ 𝑇 ≤ 𝑇𝑐 …4.1(2)
𝑇𝑐 2 𝑇𝑐 2
𝛼 [𝐾 + (1 − 𝐾) ( 𝑇 ) ] ( 𝑇 ) 𝑖𝑓 𝑇𝑐 ≤ 𝑇 ≤ 6
{
Where,
α - peak spectral acceleration normalized by PGA

19
 Ta and Tc - the lower and upper periods of the flat part of the spectrum
K – Coefficient that controls the descending branch of the spectrum

Table 4-1 Ta, Tc, α & K

Parameters\Soil Soil Type A Soil Type B Soil Type C Soil Type D

Type

Ta 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.51

Tc 0.5 0.7 1.0 2.0

α 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.25

K 1.8 1.8 2.0 0.8

The value of Ta shall correspond to zero for Equivalent Static Method.

Site Subsoil Category

The site subsoil class shall be determined as one of the Soil Types from 4.1.3.1
to 4.1.3.4:

4.1.3.1 Soil Type A - Stiff or Hard Soil Sites

Sites with bedrock, including weathered rock with an unconfined

compressive strength greater than 500 kPa, overlain by less than 20 m
of:

I. Very stiff cohesive material with an unconfined compressive strength

greater than 100 kPa, or
II. Very dense cohesionless material with N > 30, where N is the
standard penetration test (SPT) value.

Such sites will have typically a low amplitude natural period less than 0.2
s.

4.1.3.2 Soil Type B - Medium Soil Sites

Sites not described as either Soil Type A, C or D.

20
 Sites where the depth of soil does not exceed those stipulated in Table
4-2 and Table 4-3.

Such sites will have typically a low amplitude natural period less than 0.6
s.

4.1.3.3 Soil Type C - Soft Soil Sites

Sites where the depth of soil of a particular type exceeds those stipulated
in Table 4-2 and Table 4-3.
Such sites will have typically a low amplitude natural period greater than
0.6 s.

Table 4-2: Cohesive Soils

Cohesive Soil Representative undrained Minimum

Classification shear strength (kPa) Depth of Soil (m)

Soft 12.5 - 25 20

Firm 25 - 50 25

Stiff 50 - 100 40

Very Stiff 100 - 200 60

Table 4-3: Cohesionless Soils

Cohesionless Soils Representative Minimum

Classification SPT values (N) Depth of Soil (m)

Loose 4 - 10 40

Medium Dense 10 - 30 45

Dense 30 - 50 55

Very Dense > 50 60

Gravels > 30 100

21
4.1.3.4 Soil Type D - Very Soft Soil Sites
Soil site which comprises of:

I. More than 10 m depth of cohesive soil with undrained shear strength

less than 12.5 kPa
II. More than 10 m depth of cohesionless soil with SPT N-values less
than 4

Such sites will have typically a low amplitude natural period greater than
1.0 sec.

Sites located inside Kathmandu valley shall be obtained from Table 4-4.

Table 4-4: Type D Soil sites

S. No. Municipalities
1 Kathmandu
2 Lalitpur
3 Bhaktapur
4 Madhyapur Thimi
5 Kageshori Manohara
6 Tokha

Seismic Zoning Factor (Z)

The country is subdivided into different seismic zones based on the local
seismic hazard. The seismic hazard within each zone is assumed to be
constant. The Seismic Zoning Factor (Z) represents the peak ground
acceleration (PGA) for 475 year return period. The value of Z can be obtained
from Table 4-5 for selected municipalities, cities and for the rest can be
obtained from Figure 4-4 (approximate interpolation between the contour lines
is permitted).

22
Table 4-5: Seismic Zoning factors for selected cities and municipalities

Cities/Municipalities PGA Cities/Municipalities

PGA
Baglung 0.3 Janakpur 0.3
Beni 0.3 Jomsom 0.25
Besishar 0.3 Jumla 0.3
Bharatpur 0.4 Kalaiya 0.3
Bhimdatta 0.3 Kamalamai 0.4
Bhimeshwar 0.3 Kapilbastu 0.3
Bhojpur 0.35 Kathmandu 0.35
Bidur 0.3 Khalanga 0.3
Biratnagar 0.3 Khandbari 0.3
Birendranagar 0.35 Kusma 0.3
Birgunj 0.3 Lahan 0.3
Butwal 0.3 Libang 0.35
Chainpur 0.3 Malangwa 0.3
Chame 0.25 Mangalsen 0.35
Chautara 0.3 Manma 0.3
Dadheldhura 0.35 Manthali 0.3
Dailekh 0.35 Martadi 0.3
Damak 0.3 Musikot 0.3
Damauli 0.35 Myanglung 0.35
Darchula 0.3 Nepalgunj 0.4
Dasharathchand 0.35 Okhaldhunga 0.35
Dhading 0.3 Phidim 0.35
Dhangadhi 0.4 Pokhara 0.3
Dhankuta 0.4 Pyuthan 0.35
Dharan 0.3 Rajbiraj 0.3
Dhulikhel 0.35 Ramgram 0.4
Dhunche 0.3 Salleri 0.3
Diktel 0.35 Salyan 0.35
Dipayal 0.35 Sandhikharka 0.35
Dunai 0.25 Simikot 0.25
Gamgadhi 0.25 Tamghas 0.35
Gaur 0.3 Tansen 0.35
Gorkha 0.3 Taplejung 0.3
Gulariya 0.4 Triyuga 0.4
Hetauda 0.4 Tulsipur 0.4
Ilam 0.4 Waling 0.35
Jaleshwor 0.3

23
Figure 4-3: Seismic Zoning Map of Nepal

23
 Importance Classes and Importance Factor (I)
Structures are categorized into three Importance classes depending on the
consequences of their loss of function. The importance classes are
characterized by an important factor, I.

The importance classes and Factors are tabulated in Table 4-6.

Table 4-6: Importance Class and Factors

Importance Class Structure I

Ordinary Structures (those not falling in classes II and
I 1.0
III)
Schools, colleges, cinemas, assembly buildings such
as shopping malls, convention halls, temples,
monumental structures, Police stations, Emergency
vehicle shelters/garages, Food storage structures,
Emergency relief stores, Water works and water
II 2 1.25
towers, Radio and television facilities, Telephone
exchanges and transmission facilities, Offices and
residential quarters for senior personnel required for
rescue and relief operations and any other buildings
designed to accommodate more than 500 persons.
hospitals, fire stations, police headquarters, power
stations (including standby power-generating
equipment for essential facilities), distribution
III 1.5
facilities for gas or petroleum products, structures for
support or containment of dangerous substances
(such as acids, toxic substances, petroleum products)
2
Importance factor of 1.5 shall be applied if the facilities listed in Importance Class II are to be
used as a shelter in case of a disaster.

24
4.2 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE
The elastic site spectra for Serviceability Limit State shall be given by:
Cs (T) = 0.20 C (T) …………………………………………………………… 4.2(1)
Where C (T) = elastic site spectra for horizontal loading determined from clause
4.1.1.

4.3 ELASTIC SITE SPECTRA FOR VERTICAL LOADING

The elastic site spectra for vertical loading Cv(Tv) shall be given by:
Cv(Tv) = 2/3 Z……………………………………………………………..4.3(1)

25
5 Dynamic Characteristics of Structures

5.1 PERIODS OF VIBRATION

The periods of vibration, Ti, shall be established from properly substantiated

data, or computation, or both. The fundamental translation period shall be
determined using following methods:
1. Rayleigh Method

2. Empirical Equations

The fundamental translation period of a building shall be estimated using the

appropriate empirical equations listed in section 5.1.2. The approximate time
period calculated in section 5.1.2 shall be modified as per section 5.1.3. The
time period so modified shall be compared with the translation period computed
from section 5.1.1 and the lesser value of the two shall be adopted for
determining the design action.

Rayleigh Method
The fundamental translation period in the direction under consideration, T1,
shall be calculated as:

∑𝑛 2
𝑖=1(𝑊𝑖 𝑑𝑖 )
𝑇1 = 2𝜋√ ………………………………………………5.1(1)
𝑔 ∑𝑛
𝑖=1(𝐹𝑖 𝑑𝑖 )

Where
di = elastic horizontal displacement of center of mass at level i,
ignoring the effects of torsion.
Fi = lateral force acting at level i
g= acceleration due to gravity
i= level under consideration
n= number of levels in the structure
Wi = seismic weight at level i

Empirical Equations
The approximate fundamental period of vibration, T 1, in seconds is determined
from following empirical equation:

26
 T1 = kt H ¾ ………………………………………………………………….5.1(2)
Where, kt

= 0.075 for Moment resisting concrete frame

= 0.085 for Moment resisting structural steel frame
= 0.075 for Eccentrically braced structural steel frame
= 0.05 for Structural wall buildings

Amplification of Approximate Period

The approximate fundamental time period calculated using empirical equation in
section 5.1.2 shall be increased by a factor of 1.25.

5.2 SEISMIC WEIGHT

The seismic weight at each level, Wi, shall be taken as the sum of the dead
loads and the factored seismic live loads between the mid-heights of adjacent
stories.

The seismic live load shall be determined as given in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1: Live Load Categories and Factors

Live Load Category Factor (λ)

Storage 0.60

For Other Purpose 0.30

Roof Nil

5.3 DUCTILITY FACTOR

Ultimate limit state

The Ductility Factor (Rμ) shall be chosen to be consistent with the structural
system and the structural member/connection detailing. The values of RΩ for
various types of structures are tabulated in Table 5-2.

27
 Serviceability limit state
The Ductility Factor (Rs) for serviceability limit state shall be taken as 1.

5.4 OVERSTRENGTH FACTOR

Ultimate limit state

The Over-strength factor (Ωu) for ultimate limit state, which accounts for the
extra reserve strength that is inherently present in structures, shall be adopted
from Table 5-2 for appropriate structural system.

Serviceability limit state

The Over-strength factor (Ωs) for serviceability limit state shall also be adopted
from Table 5-2 for appropriate structural system.

Table 5-2: Ductility and Over-strength Factors

S. No. Structural System Rμ Ωu Ωs

Moment Resisting Frame Systems
1 Steel Moment Resisting Frame 4 1.5 1.25
2 Reinforced Moment Resisting Frame 4 1.5 1.25
3 Steel + RC Composite Moment Resisting Frame 4 1.5 1.25
Braced Frame Systems
4 Steel Eccentrically Braced Frame 4 1.5 1.25
5 Steel + RC Composite Eccentrically Braced Frame 4 1.5 1.25
6 Steel Concentric Braced Frame 3 1.3 1.15
7 Steel + RC Composite Concentric Braced Frame 3 1.3 1.15
Structural Wall Systems
8 RC Shear wall 3 1.3 1.15
9 Steel + RC Composite Shear Wall 3 1.3 1.15
10 Reinforced Masonry Shear wall 2.5 1.2 1.1
11 Confined Masonry wall 2.5 1.2 1.1
Dual Systems
12 Steel Eccentrically Braced Frame 4 1.5 1.25
13 Steel + RC Composite Eccentrically Braced Frame 4 1.5 1.25
14 Steel Concentric Braced Frame 3.5 1.4 1.2
15 Steel + RC Composite Concentric Braced Frame 3.5 1.4 1.2
16 RC Shear wall 3.5 1.4 1.2
17 Steel + RC Composite Shear Wall 3.5 1.4 1.2
18 Reinforced Masonry Shear wall 2.5 1.2 1.1

28
 5.5 STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITY

Structures with simple and regular configurations suffer much less damage
during a large earthquake. Irregular structures on the other hand suffer heavy
damage during a large earthquake. Therefore, efforts shall be made to make
the structure as regular as possible. Any structure is considered irregular if any
of the clauses. 5.5.1 to 5.5.2 are applicable.

Vertical Irregularity

5.5.1.1 Weak Story

A story is considered as weak story if the strength of the lateral force resisting
system in that story is less than 80% of the strength of the story above.

5.5.1.2 Soft Story

A soft story is the one whose stiffness of the lateral-force-resisting system is
less than 70% of the lateral-force-resisting system stiffness in an adjacent story
above or below, or less than 80% of the average lateral-force-resisting system
stiffness of the three stories above or below.

5.5.1.3 Vertical Geometric Irregularity

Vertical geometric irregularity shall be considered to exist if the horizontal
dimension of lateral force resisting system in any story is more than 130% of
that in an adjacent story.

5.5.1.4 In-Plane Discontinuity in Vertical Lateral Force Resisting Element

Irregularity
It shall be considered to exist where there is an in-plane offset of a vertical
seismic force-resisting element resulting in overturning demands on supporting
structural elements (Figure 5-1).

29
 .

Figure 5-1: In-Plane Discontinuity

5.5.1.5 Mass Irregularity

A difference of more than 50% between the effective masses of two consecutive
storeys is considered as mass irregularity. Light roofs, penthouse, and
mezzanine floors need not be considered.

Plan Irregularity

5.5.2.1 Torsion Irregularity

Torsion irregularity is considered to exist where the maximum horizontal
displacement of any floor in the direction of the lateral force (applied at the
centre of mass) at one end of the storey is more than 1.5 times its minimum
horizontal displacement at the far end of the same storey in that direction.

5.5.2.2 Re-entrant Corners Irregularity

A structure is said to have re-entrant corner in a direction, if its structural
configuration has a projection of greater than 15% of its overall dimension in
that direction (Figure 5-2).

30
 Figure 5-2: Re-entrant Corners

5.5.2.3 Diaphragm Discontinuity Irregularity

Diaphragm discontinuity irregularity is considered to exist a diaphragm has a
cutout or open area greater than 50% of the gross enclosed diaphragm area,
or the effective diaphragm stiffness changes more than 50% from one story to
the next.

5.5.2.4 Out of plane offset Irregularity

Out of Plane offset irregularity is said to exist where there is a discontinuity in a
lateral force resisting path, such as an out-of-plane of at least one vertical
element (Figure 5-3).

Figure 5-3: Out of plane offset

31
 5.6 DRIFTS AND DISPLACEMENTS

Determination of Design Horizontal Deflections

5.6.1.1 Ultimate limit state

The design horizontal deflections shall be determined by multiplying the
horizontal deflection found from Equivalent Static Method or Modal Response
Spectrum Method by the Ductility factor (Rμ).

5.6.1.2 Serviceability limit state

The design horizontal deflection for serviceability limit state shall be taken as
equal to the horizontal deflections calculated either by Equivalent Static Method
or Modal Response Spectrum Methods.

Building Separations
Parts of buildings or buildings on the same site which are not designed to act
as an integral unit shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less
than the sum of the design horizontal deflections determined in accordance with
5.6.1.

Separation spaces shall be detailed and constructed to remain clear of debris

and other obstructions. The width of such spaces shall allow for all
constructional tolerances.

Inter-Story Deflections
The ratio of the inter-story deflection to the corresponding story height shall not
exceed:
0.025 at ultimate limit state
0.006 at serviceability limit state
The deflections shall be obtained by using the effective stiffness properties of
the components as given in 3.4.

5.7 ACCIDENTAL ECCENTRICITY

For the analysis for torsional effects, the applied torsion at each level shall use
either the forces calculated by the Equivalent Static Method or the combined
story inertial forces found in a Modal Response Spectrum Method. The
accidental eccentricity can be taken as ±0.1b.

32
6 Equivalent Static Method

6.1 HORIZONTAL BASE SHEAR COEFFICIENT

Ultimate Limit State

For the ultimate limit state, the horizontal base shear coefficient (design
coefficient), Cd (T1), shall be given by:
C(𝑇1 )
Cd (𝑇1 ) = ………………………………………. ….………………..6.1(1)
Rµ x Ωu

Where,
C (T1) = Elastic Site Spectra as per 4.1.1
Rµ = Ductility Factor as per 5.3
𝛀u = Over strength Factor for ULS as per 5.4

Serviceability Limit State

For the serviceability limit state, the horizontal base shear coefficient (design
coefficient), Cd (T1), shall be given by:

Cs(𝑇1 )
Cd (𝑇1 ) = …………………………………………………..6.1(2)
Ωs
Where,

Cs(T1) = Elastic Site Spectra determined for Serviceability Limit State as per
4.2

𝛀s = Over strength Factor for SLS as per 5.4

6.2 HORIZONTAL SEISMIC BASE SHEAR

The horizontal seismic base shear, V, acting at the base of the structure, in the
direction being considered, shall be calculated as:

V = Cd (T1) W ……………………………………………………………….6.2(1)

Where,

Cd (T1) = Horizontal base shear coefficient as per 6.1

W = Seismic Weight of the structure as per 5.2

33
6.3 VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEISMIC FORCES
The lateral seismic force (Fi) induced at each level ‘i’ shall be calculated as:

Wi h k
i
Fi = ∑n x V ……………………………………………….……6.3(1)
i Wi h k
i

Where,

Wi = seismic weight of the structure assigned to level ‘i’;

hi= height (m) from the base to level ‘i’;

n= total number of floors/levels

V= horizontal seismic base shear calculated as per 6.2

k= an exponent related to the structural period as follows:

 for structure having time period T≤0.5sec, k=1

 for structure having time period T≥2.5sec, k=2

 for structure having period between 0.5 sec and 2.5 sec, k shall
be determined by linear interpolation between 1 and 2.

6.4 POINTS OF APPLICATION OF EQUIVALENT STATIC FORCES

The equivalent static forces calculated as per 6.3 shall be assumed to act
simultaneously at each level in the direction being considered and shall be applied
through points eccentric to the center of mass at each level as per 5.7.

34
7 Modal Response Spectrum Method

7.1 ULTIMATE LIMIT STATE

For the ultimate limit state, the horizontal base shear co-efficient for each mode,
Cd(Ti), shall as given by:
C(𝑇𝑖 )
Cd (𝑇𝑖 ) = ………………………………………………………7.1(1)
Rµ x Ωu

Where,

C(Ti) = Elastic Site Spectra at period Ti as per 4.1.1

Ti = fundamental period of the ith mode of vibration
Rµ = Ductility Factor as per 5.3
𝛀u = Over strength Factor for ULS as per 5.4

7.2 CALCULATION OF BASE SHEAR FORCE FOR EACH MODE

Vi = Cd(Ti) x x W ………………….…………………………………………7.1(2)
Where  is the participation factor for the ith mode of vibration
For each mode, the base shear shall be distributed by using
γ𝑗 Wi h k
i
Fij = ∑n x Vj …………………………………………………………7.1(3)
i γ𝑗 Wi h k
i

7.3 NUMBER OF MODES TO BE CONSIDERED

A sufficient number of modes shall be included in the analysis to include at least
90% of the total seismic mass in the direction under consideration.

All modes that are not part of the horizontal load resisting systems shall be ignored
in modal combination

The modal combination shall be carried out only for modes with natural frequency
less than 33 Hz; the effect of modes with natural frequencies more than 33 Hz shall
be included by the missing mass correction procedure following established
principles of structural dynamics.

35
 7.4 COMBINATION OF MODAL EFFECTS
a. The combination of modal effects (such as story shear, moment, drift,
displacements) shall be carried out using an established method such as
Square Root of the Sum of the Squares (SRSS) or the Complete Quadratic
Combination (CQC) method or any other generally accepted combination
methods.

b. Modes shall be considered to be closely spaced if their frequencies are

within 15%. For such modes, if the SRSS combination method is used, the
modal action effects from any modes shall be first combined by direct
summation ignoring any signs.

7.5 SCALE FACTOR FOR DESIGN VALUES OF THE COMBINED RESPONSE

When the design base shear (VR) obtained by combining the modal base shear
forces is less than the base shear (V) calculated using Equivalent Static Method;
the member forces, storey shear forces & base reactions obtained from the MRS
method shall be multiplied by V/VR.

Where, V = Base Shear determined from Equivalent Static Method

VR = Base Shear determined from Modal Combination

8 Elastic Time History Analysis

Structural Modeling Requirements

8.1.1.1 Modeling
Three dimensional models of the structure shall be required for carrying out the
analysis. The analysis consists of an analysis of a linear mathematical model
of the structure to obtain various response quantities employing the methods of
numerical integration based on ground motion acceleration histories compatible
with the design response spectrum for the site.

36
8.1.1.2 Gravity Load
Gravity loads calculated as per clause 5.2 shall be applied to the structural
model.

8.1.1.3 P-Delta Effect

P-Delta effects shall be included in the analysis.

8.1.1.4 Torsion
Inherent eccentricity arising due to offset in center of mass from the center of
rigidity at each level shall be included in the analysis.

8.1.1.5 Damping
Linear viscous damping shall not exceed 5%.

8.1.1.6 Below grade Structure elements

For structures having structures below grade such as basements, the structural
model shall extend to the foundation level and ground motions shall be applied
at the foundation level.

Ground Motions
The ground motion selection, scaling, application and analysis details shall be as
prescribed in Clause 9.3.2.

Evaluation of response quantities

If less than 7 numbers of ground motion records are used, maximum values the
response quantities from these ground motions shall be used. If the number of
ground motions used is more than 7, then average values of the considered
number of ground motions shall be used for evaluation of response quantities.

8.1.3.1 Inter story drifts

The inter-story drift shall not exceed the limits given in clause 5.6.

8.1.3.2 Member strengths

For member strength check, the final values of member actions obtained from
elastic time-history analysis shall be divided by the ULS ductility factor R.

37
9 Non-linear Static and Dynamic Analysis

9.1 GENERAL
A Non-linear analysis shall consist of an analysis of a mathematical model of the
structure that accounts for the strength of the materials and their post-elastic behavior.

9.2 NON-LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS

Non-linear static analysis (also known as pushover analysis) is a procedure where a
mathematical model incorporating the inelastic post yield behavior of the structural
elements is subjected to monotonically increasing horizontal loads until target
displacement is reached.

Modeling and Analysis

Seismic forces shall be applied in both positive and negative directions.
Maximum seismic effects as a result of this application shall be used.

Gravity loads shall be applied to appropriate elements of the structural model.

At least, a bilinear force-displacement relation shall be used at element level.

Load pattern
Load pattern based on the first mode shape shall be applied in the direction
under consideration.

Control node
The control node shall be located at the center of mass at the roof of the building.
The top of penthouse shall not be considered as the roof.

Capacity curve
A plot of base shear versus the control node displacement shall be established
for control displacement values ranging from zero to 150 % of the target
displacement.

Target displacement
The target displacement shall serve as an estimate of the global displacement
of the structure which is expected to experience in an earthquake. It shall be
defined as the seismic demand derived from the elastic response spectrum in
terms of the displacement of an equivalent single degree of freedom system.

38
 Target displacement can be determined using N2 Method or any other method
established in literature.

9.3 NON-LINEAR TIME HISTORY ANALYSIS

Non-linear time history analysis shall be carried out through direct numerical
integration of the differential equations of ground motion acceleration time histories.
The numerical integration time history analysis may be used for all types of structures
to verify that the specific response parameters are within the limits of acceptability
assumed during design.

Structural Modeling Requirements

9.3.1.1 Modeling
Three dimensional models of the structure shall be required for carrying out the
analysis. The structural model shall include the post elastic hysteretic behavior
of elements and shall account for all the significant yield, strength degradation,
stiffness degradation and hysteretic pinching.

At least, a bilinear force-displacement relation shall be used at element level.

9.3.1.2 Gravity Load

Gravity loads calculated as per clause 5.2 shall be applied to the structural
model.

9.3.1.3 P-Delta Effect

P-Delta effects shall be included in the analysis.

9.3.1.4 Torsion
Inherent eccentricity arising due to offset in center of mass from the center of
rigidity at each level shall be included in the analysis.

9.3.1.5 Damping
Hysteretic energy dissipation of structural elements shall be included in the
analysis as well.

39
9.3.1.6 Below grade Structure elements
For structures having structures below grade such as basements, the structural
model shall extend to the foundation level and ground motions shall be applied
at the foundation level.

Ground Motions

9.3.2.1 Number of Ground Motions

A minimum of three ground motions shall be used in 2D time history analysis.

For 3D time history analyses conducted on torsionally sensitive structures,

three pairs of orthogonal ground motions shall be used.

Appropriate ground motions shall be selected from events having magnitudes,

fault distance, and source mechanisms that are consistent with those that
seismic hazard at the design location.

Where the required number of recorded ground motions are not available,
appropriate simulated ground motions shall be used to make up the total
number required.

9.3.2.2 Scaling of Ground Motions

Following procedures shall be carried out for scaling the selected ground
motions:

a) The elastic site spectra C(T) given in clause 4.2.1 divided by the ULS
Overstrength factor u) shall be used as the target spectrum for scaling
the ground motions.
b) The selected ground motions shall be scaled to match the target
spectrum between periods Tn and √RµxT1, where T1 is the fundamental
period of vibration of the structure, Tn is the period of the highest
vibration mode to ensure 90% mass participation and Rµ is the ULS
ductility factor as per 5.3.1.
c) The Scaling factor for all ground motions shall be between 0.33 and 3.
Where a selected ground motion does not match this criteria, it shall be
discarded and a new ground motion shall be selected.
d) For 3D analyses, scaling factor for both orthogonal motions shall be
determined and the lower value shall be used to scale both components

40
 of the ground motion pair. Obviously, only one of the two scaled motions
will match the target spectra and the other will be smaller.

9.3.2.3 Application of Ground Motions

a) The scaled ground motion/s shall be applied to the supports of the structural
model.

b) For 3D analyses, the two ground motion components of each pair shall be
applied in orthogonal directions along the principal axes of the building
structure.

c) For each pair, two analyses shall be conducted by interchanging the

directions of the ground motions.

9.3.2.4 Analysis time step

The analysis time step:

a) Shall not be greater than the step at which the records are digitized
b) Shall be less than or equal to:
 T1/100
 Tn
 0.01s
Where
T1 = the fundamental translational period in the direction under
consideration

Tn = Period of highest mode in the same direction required to

achieve the 90% mass participation as described in modal
analysis

Evaluation of response quantities

If less than 7 numbers of ground motion records are used, maximum values the
response quantities from these ground motions shall be used. If the number of
ground motions used is more than 7, then average values of the considered
number of ground motions shall be used for evaluation of response quantities.

41
9.3.3.1 Inter story drifts
The inter-story drift shall not exceed the limits given in clause 5.6.

9.3.3.2 Member strengths

The inelastic deformation demands shall not exceed the limits given in
appropriate material standards.

42
10 Parts and Components

10.1 GENERAL
This section specifies the minimum design requirements for non-structural
components of architectural, mechanical and electrical systems, their support
and connections.
All elements, components or equipment shall be positively connected to the
structure to resist the specified seismic loads. Where friction due to gravity is
used to provide the required resistance to horizontal seismic forces, a friction
reduction factor of 0.5 shall be used in calculating the frictional resistance.
If the weight of the non-structural component is more than 25% of the seismic
weight of the building, provisions of this section shall not be used.

10.2 SERVICE CUT-OFFS

If continued operation of a facility during strong seismic motions presents an
excessive risk, an automatic shut-off system, which will operate at a pre-
determined ground acceleration, not exceeding 0.2g, shall be provided. In such
cases, all equipment required for safe shut-down shall be capable of resisting
the shut-off level irrespective of other requirements of this Section.

10.3 DESIGN SEISMIC FORCE

All elements and components shall be designed for a design seismic force (Fp)
along its principal direction. Fp shall be applied at the component’s center of
gravity and distributed relative to the component’s mass distribution. The design
seismic force (Fp) shall be calculated using following equation:

h p ap
FP = Z (1 + ) μ Ip Wp ……………………………………..10.3(1)
H p

Where,

Z = Seismic Zoning factor as per 4.2.4

ap = Component amplification factor as per 10.3.1
Ip = Component Importance factor as per 10.3.2
μp = Component ductility factor as per 10.3.3

43
 Wp = Component weight
hp = height of attachment of the component
H = Total height of structure

Component Amplification Factor

Component amplification factor (ap) represents the dynamic amplification of the
component relative to the fundamental time period of the structure. Its value
varies from 1 to 2.5. The component amplification factor (ap) is stipulated in
Table 10-1:
Table 10-1 Component Amplification Factor

Absolute difference between the natural ap

periods of the building and the component
|T1-Tp|
|T1-Tp| > 0.5 sec 1.0
|T1-Tp| = 0 sec; (i.e.T1=Tp) 2.5
0.5 sec > |T1-Tp| > 0 Sec To be linearly interpolated
between 1.0 and 2.5

Component Ductility Factor

Component ductility factor (μp) represents the ductility and energy dissipation
capacity of the components and its connections. Its value varies from 1.5 to 2.5.
The component ductility factor (μp) is stipulated in Table 10-2. For any high
deformability non-structural components and attachments, a higher value, not
exceeding 3.5 may be used if/as supported by research

Table 10-2: Component Ductility Factor

Element Class p
Low deformability components and attachments 1.5
(Examples include non-structural walls, brick chimneys and partitions)
Moderate deformability components and attachments 2.5
(Examples include cantilevers, metal chimneys, parapets, signs,
billboards)

44
 Component Importance Factor
All parts and components shall be assigned to appropriate importance class as
stipulated in Table 10-3:

Table 10-3: Component Importance Factor

Element Class Ip
Components containing hazardous contents 1.5
Component required to function for life-safety after an earthquake 1.5
(Examples include fire protection sprinkler systems, egress stairways)
Storage facilities open to public 1.5
Components which are needed for continued operation of an emergency 1.5
facility after an earthquake
All other components 1.0

10.4 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements stipulated in this section, following additional
requirements shall also be considered:

a) Connections to ornamentations, veneers, appendages and exterior panels

including anchor bolts, shall be corrosion-resisting and ductile, with
adequate anchorages.

b) In the case of precast concrete panels, anchorages shall be attached to, or

hooked around, panel reinforcing.

c) The seismic weight of containers and the like shall include the weight of the
contents.

d) Hanging or swinging lights shall have a safety cable attached to the structure
and the fixture, capable of supporting a lateral load equal to four times the
weight.

e) The support systems for suspended ceilings shall be designed and

constructed so as to avoid sudden or incremental failure or excessive
deformations that would release ceiling components.

45
f) The non-structural component that significantly affects the structural
response of the building should be treated as structural and relevant
provisions for design of the structure should be applied.

g) Contents of museums and similar items of historical or artistic value that are
non-functional items should be restrained against seismic forces. Special
advice should be obtained for detailing such restraints.

46